a government subsidy expires at the end of this year. unless congress extends it, the cost could skyrocket to above $7 a gallon, putting a major hirchlg on families already struggling to make ends meet. >>> bad news for retailers. holiday sales proved this year it was the weakest since 2008. one report put the increase at just 0.7%, are far below analyst predictions of 3% to 4%. superstorm sandy and the looming fiscal cliff disrupted the shopping season. >>> and if you are returning my holiday gifts, have your right and a lot of patience. usa today reports 14 of 25 on-line retailers in one study are issuing refunds slower than last year. for in-store returns some retailers have shortened return windows and are charging restocking fees, especially for technology. >> thanks. >>> straight ahead on your morning wednesday news, weather is coming up, and lebron james takes it to the oklahoma city thunder in a rematch of the nba final. aww man. [ male announcer ] returns are easy with free pickup from the u.s. postal service. we'll even drop of